Buffalo Music Minister Deacon Leaves on High Note After 65 Years

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Sixty-five years of dedication and faithfulness to his ministry.

Deacon Frazier Tom Smith is retiring from his music ministry on a high note, leaving a void in his church community, but leaving it in good hands.

7 News’ Pheben Kassahun spoke to the legendary music minister as he looked back on everyone he touched.

“Our entire ministry has been here at Calvary Baptist Church for 65 years,” said Calvary Baptist Church Minister of Music, Deacon Frazier T. Smith.

Lynne Baugh-Richardson, Calvary Baptist Church committeeman, said, “That says a lot about his character. He has a great personality. He is definitely a man of God. A man who loves God and demonstrates it in his life journey.”

Lynne Baugh-Richardson is on the board of Calvary Baptist Church.

Having been in the church for more than 30 years, she said she would miss hearing him take charge of the organ on Sundays.

“He really makes that piano sing. He has a gift that God gave him and he used it,” Baugh-Richardson said.

Deacon Frazier was also Sunday School Superintendent and Trustee.

During his 65 years as a music minister, his life was essentially anchored in Calvary Baptist, but 65 years is not an easy commitment.

Calvary Baptist Church Music Minister Deacon Frazier T. Smith said, “I think you have to have a faith in God that drives you. I don’t know how many times I had to pray to the Lord for strength, for understanding. , to be able to move through the music.”

And to think, he got into the music industry thanks to his mother, who started playing piano while attending Bennet High School.

“An opening came up at Calvary Baptist Church. My mom was talking to someone and they needed a musician and my mom recommended me. I was a little hesitant to accept it at first , but with a little help from mom, I decided to take we joined,” explained Deacon Frazier.

His impact extended beyond his church community.

Calvary Baptist Church Senior Pastor Corey B. Gibson said, “He played with the Buffalo Colored Musicians Club. He worked within the academy.

Pastor Corey grew up at Calvary Baptist Church and when he had the opportunity to come back and serve as pastor at the church he grew up in, he was thrilled.

“Every time I start talking about working and serving alongside Deacon Tom, it has truly been a remarkable experience, serving alongside a living legend,” Pastor Corey said. “You see someone week to week and you might not think about it, but to have someone who is really on staff, who doesn’t take off regularly and who really gives 110%, was really a blessing.”

He considers him a living legend.

Pastor Corey said, “Truly remarkable, but having someone of his caliber to help me navigate the early stages of my pastorate was truly a blessing.

As he closes one chapter and opens another, he can’t help but be grateful for the love he’s received as he retires.

For him, it was the highlight of his 65 years at the helm of the music ministry.

Deacon Frazier said: “This retreat is memorable. I just didn’t expect such a celebration that we are having. It kind of took me by surprise, but it was an enthusiastic response to the music industry .”

Deacon Frazier is also a father of four, grandfather of two, and great-grandfather of one.

The 83-year-old plans to spend more time with his family and hopes to inspire his family’s next pianist.